Tag Archives: environmental

It’s summer in the US and I definitely do not blog as much between June and September. However, a news alert caught my eye this past weekend; Scientists say record floods could brew bad batch of mosquitoes (Chicago Tribune). This on top of reports of the first case of West Nile virus in the state of Illinois this year… Eeek. Southern regions may be seeing even greater batches of the little buggers.

Unfortunately most commercialized insect repellents are higher dose chemical concoctions. Considering the alternative of an invasive virus, the choice may be simple. However, lower toxicity options do exist in the essential oil (EO) spectrum and, bonus(!), some of these EO’s may assist in overall immune health.

Lara Adler, a reputable and resourceful expert educator on environmental toxins reminds us that “a number of essential oils have clinically been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties, including clove oil, tea tree oil, thyme oil, oregano oil, rosemary oil, eucalyptus, lemon-grass, and cinnamon oils. Some oils are more effective against bacteria, while others are more effective against viruses, so combinations can be more effective than just using one oil on it’s own” (nd).

Furthermore, certain EO’s are particularly effective for insect repellent. In this area, I’ve seen several blends usually including options such as lemon-grass, peppermint, and/or citronella.

The beauty industry is a big business! This spring, I kicked off with a blog The ‘Real’ Spring Clean detailing a few ways to clean up lifestyle approaches and living environments with regards to harmful exposures. Personal care is a huge area within this topic, partially attributable to lack of adequate evaluation (see a 2004 Environmental Working Group report).

5 faucets to consider within this focus area include the following;

Upgrade your products for more bang for the buck. One thing that blows people away is that well formulated, low-toxin beauty care products often require a lower amount for adequate application. What does this mean in simple terms? Investment in this sort of product will stretch, ie “less is more”.

Pay attention to substrate when color is involved. Essentially, liquids involving color have a greater chance of causing harm when applied to the skin. Therefore, paying attention to chemicals, particularly those relating to endocrine disruption*, and carcinogens in products such as gels and creams may take higher significance as compared to a dry powder. Definitely pay close attention to that lip color and be sure yours does not include lead.

Avoid synthetic scents. “Fragrance” is not well regulated in the U.S. and can consist of many proprietary chemical concoctions unclear to the end consumer. The frustrating thing is even with “good” options, it can be hard to avoid. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains a guide called Skin Deep to help assess this. A good habit is to check whether labels have the word “fragrance” OR if a natural, plant-based substrate, such as a specific essential oil, is indicated. Also, consider swapping out chemical based perfumes for essential oil blends!

Take a break. Find opportunities to avoid or reduce applications, for example there are ways to reduce how often we wash hair with shampoo and conditioner which, as it turns out, often leads to better hair quality. Not only will making these reductions help lower the risk of cumulative low-dose exposures from personal care, it will save money over time.

Remember internal health. Finally, and most importantly, the real “skin deep” starts from within. Cellular health is impacted by nutrition, toxicity, and emotional health. Proper care for your internal systems will illuminate in better skin and hair quality leading to less need for external applications.

Although, admittedly, I’m still figuring this out myself, there are a couple options that I have come to favorable resolution on (for now);

Annmarie Skin Care multi-purpose foundation relies on a mineral powder, which can be used dry, or combined with facial oil, cream, or serum. Blend a small amount of the mineral powder with oil, cream or serum in the palm of your hand to create the liquid consistency for foundation.

Typically I blend with their signature herb-infused oil (also available in unscented), but it has surprised me how nicely it also applies as a direct powder application. In consideration of point 1 above, this product stretches well. I hardly use any of it to make for full coverage.

Neal’s Yard Remedies is a product line was introduced to me by the lovely Lara Adler. Based in the UK, it is distributed through retail channels throughout Great Britain and via independent consultants in other countries. An unexpected bonus is I found that a friend from grade school had become a rep so I was able to reconnect with her through the process (see her page).

I have been absolutely amazed at how happy I have been when using Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser. The formula cleanses and moisturizes simultaneously and can be used simply as an under eye make up remover or as a total facial cleanse. Their Full of Grace solid serum is also a great multi-purpose staple.

Mineral Fusion products, although not perfect (mostly due to fragrance), rank pretty favorable across EWG’s list, come at a reasonable price point, and are available through a variety of accessible channels, including Whole Foods. In addition, they have hair care formulas for color treated hair which is less commonly found within natural/organic centered personal care products.

One discouraging thing about being a Hashi’s patient is that I have experienced a fair share of eye brow thinning. ZuZu Luxe pencil comes in a tobacco color that I love and their products rank pretty well on EWG’s list as well.

A company that I have not tried yet, but am considering for future use is 100% Pure. The company relies on natural, plant-derived pigments and avoids iron oxides which have to be tested for lead.

Many also turn to Beauty Counter which is positioned at the fore front of education in the US beauty market and centered on reduction of substrates that are harmful in personal care products including their coined “Never List”. Link to the page for one consultant in my network.

Finally, I have noticed several small, craft based options picking up momentum. A few favorites in the Chicago area include Bonnie and Biba Lips. Lip applications have not had the best track record, such as testing for lead. Especially with consideration to point 2 above, lip color is a key area to pay attention to when assessing for potential toxicity.

*Chemical-based substrates associated to endocrine disruption include phthalates (a class of chemicals related to “fragrance”, softeners, solvents, and stabilizers in personal and household related products), parabens (used as preservatives), and phenoxyethanol. Endocrine disruptors refer to substrates that mimic or block hormone signals which, in addition to gland and organ health, have been studied for their role obesity.

In need of formalized support to make healthful lifestyle changes?Contact me through my business site.

I hope to challenge your definition and for those in which I’m “speaking to the choir”, let’s sing!

Toxins are a result of man-made chemicals as well as naturally occurring. Repetitive low-dose exposure to these compounds over time, such as phthalates, is what we refer with the terms “toxic load” or “burden”. Collective dose has been a subjective topic within the scientific community. However, there is a supportive body of evidence for associations between toxic exposures and the onset of a whole host of chronic diseases from autoimmune to cancers. Children, pregnant women, and older aged adults are significantly more sensitive and vulnerable to toxin exposure such as those from pesticides. Substrates with toxicity can be found in consumer products, food, and the environment in which we engage.

Do I have your attention?

O.k., now “what the heck can you do about it?“…

I cordially invite you to redefine your spring clean. Conduct an intervention for yourself by focusing on ridding yourself of the ugly (cleanse) and shifting to more healthful alternatives. The easiest changes will be in your home. Pick a room to start with and get going. (Hint, this will likely be your kitchen and/or bathroom).

Primary areas in which you can easily make shifts;

Personal Care – Color, fragrance, additives, synthetic chemicals that few would accurately pronounce… you name it. Each of these are areas to become keen on when assessing potential toxic load.

Cleaning Products – Besides data on unintentional poisoning leading to adverse outcomes including death, the average US household cleaner contributes to indoor air pollution. These products carry rather harsh hazard warnings, such as “Danger”, “Warning”, or “Caution”, for a reason. Yet, natural alternatives do not need any of this. Consider the alternatives.

Food –

How many ingredients are in a piece of produce? No, this is not a trick question. Answer: ONE! A follow up question, do you know how that piece of produce was grown, ripened, and shipped?

How many ingredients are in the average processed food item? To be honest, I could not find this data, but I’m certain the average number is over 5! Whole-food recipes, ie products of resulting in multiples of one, are not what I’m referring to here. I’m calling out additives, derivatives, isolations, etc. Many nutritionists suggest to shop by “Five or Fewer”. By this, we mean if it has more than five ingredients, don’t buy it.

Finally, pesticide resin, which can also be systemic, and potential harmful exposures picked up during shipping and transit are also variables to take into account. The Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists provide preliminary guidance (see below).

BONUS – don’t forget to check out your food storage, packaging, and cookware options, especially those used for heated items and/or those holding fat based items.

A special note on fragrances – In some cases, natural derivatives can contribute to the scent of an item, however, often the term on a product label is code for chemical concoction and full disclosure is not legally required.

Changes in each of the areas can parallel each other. We often think of health as diet and fitness and the term “clean living” has been coined to food. However, our health is impacted by many more variables each of which can be addressed in a “Spring Clean”. Healthful shifts will incorporate reasonable reduction and realistic transitions.

What about communal spaces?

On a public health landscape, we certainly have work to do. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does incorporate this area into their healthy workplace initiatives and can be leveraged as a resource for change within communal spaces.

I also have some wonderful representatives for low-toxin personal care products or essential oils in my network. Some of the best product options are sold via direct distributor models which not only promotes better options, it provides residual income for a variety of people from moms, working professionals, health professionals, etc. Please reach out to me if you are interested in an introduction.

As a health professional who took a meandering path, one section of the trail was the unexpected diagnosis with autoimmune disease. Little did I know at the time that there are over 80 of them! According to the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association, approximately 50 million Americans live with at least one autoimmune diagnosis. Out of that 50 million, approximately 75% are women (2015).

This personal path took a look at food, environment, and genetics under a critical lens, perhaps even more closely than I had the opportunity to gage throughout a Master of Public Health program. Last week I had the pleasure to attend a local, community event hosted by Noktivo Natural Nail Salon. Noktivo is run by a dynamic young professional who has taken a stand against a so called “dirty industry”.

At this event I met many outstanding woman representing “clean” beauty products. One stood out to me due to personal connection. The dynamic owner and founder of Biba Lips told me of her diagnosis of Hashimoto’s. This is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the thyroid. It is one of personal connection to me as I have observed the diagnosis in both family members and friends. It is what I would refer to as an “ugly” disease that can cause extreme fatigue and sluggishness as well as depletion of skin and hair quality, among many other things.

Despite the negative side of this disease, I was pleasantly greeted by a most favorable outcome of this diagnosis. Common to my path, beauty products and the chemical and/or toxic nature had been brought to the forefront of the discussion within overall health and wellness. The owner excitedly told me about her desire for keeping a little glamour in her life and, as a result, the concept for Biba Lips, a cleaner, healthier cosmetic option emerged.

The empowerment she felt radiated in her smile, words, and facial expressions. It was both delightful and motivating. Therefore, I devote this blog post to her. I give a huge shot out and “you go girl”. It is also a significant reminder of the strength of community. As a student, I focused on community health. It is nearly impossible to measure the strength of community ties to health outcomes (although we try). This example is certainly a “proof of concept” for me!